FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE — The United States may request permission from the United Kingdom to station American refueling aircraft at a British base in Cyprus as President Donald Trump considers military involvement in Israel’s war against Iran.
According to Sky News, the Pentagon has already strengthened its regional military presence, deploying B-52 bombers and other fighter jets to the British-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. However, discussions have not yet taken place regarding the movement of B-2 bombers, which have the capability to strike underground nuclear sites such as Iran’s Fordow facility.
Any US operations from Diego Garcia would require British approval, though it remains unclear whether such authorization has been requested or granted.
Meanwhile, British troops stationed in Iraq, Bahrain, and Cyprus are on high alert for a possible escalation. The UK has also sent additional Typhoon fighter jets to Cyprus, increasing the total to 14, along with two refueling aircraft.
The US, currently maintaining a defensive stance to deter an Iranian attack, has already deployed tankers to Spain and Greece and may seek access to the Akrotiri base. A US aircraft carrier is expected to arrive in the region in the coming days.